Joe Pesci

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15 Feb 2024

Joe Pesci

Joseph Frank Pesci, known for his dynamic portrayal of tough and volatile characters, is an American actor and musician. He has left an indelible mark on cinema, particularly through his memorable collaborations with Robert De Niro and Martin Scorsese in iconic films like Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995), and The Irishman (2019). Pesci's versatility extends across various genres, as seen in his roles in Once Upon a Time in America (1984), Moonwalker (1988), JFK (1991), A Bronx Tale (1993), and The Good Shepherd (2006).
Beyond his dramatic performances, Pesci has showcased his comedic prowess in beloved films such as Home Alone (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), My Cousin Vinny (1992), and the Lethal Weapon franchise (1989–1998). His stellar acting abilities have garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award, along with nominations for three Golden Globe Awards.

Pesci's standout performance as the gangster Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, while his compelling portrayals of Joey LaMotta in Raging Bull and Russell Bufalino in The Irishman earned him additional nominations in the same category. Despite announcing his retirement from acting in 1999, Pesci has made notable comebacks, appearing in four films since then.
In addition to his acting career, Pesci is also a talented musician with three studio albums to his credit: Little Joe Sure Can Sing! (1968), Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You (1998), and Pesci... Still Singing (2019).

Joe Pesci was born on February 9, 1943, in Newark, New Jersey. His parents, Maria and Angelo Pesci, worked hard to support the family—his mother as a part-time barber and his father as a forklift truck driver for General Motors and a bartender. With roots tracing back to Turin and Aquilonia in Italy, Pesci grew up in Belleville, New Jersey, where he attended Belleville High School. Even at a young age, Pesci showed a talent for entertainment, appearing in plays in New York City by the time he was five years old. His early exposure to showbiz continued as he became a regular on the television variety show Startime Kids at the age of 10, sharing the stage with stars like Connie Francis.
Growing up in Belleville, Pesci crossed paths with notable musicians like guitarist Tommy DeVito of The Four Lovers, which later evolved into The Four Seasons, featuring Frankie Valli. Pesci's introduction of keyboardist Bob Gaudio to DeVito and Valli played a crucial role in the formation of the band. Throughout his life, Pesci maintained a close friendship with DeVito, even supporting him financially during difficult times following DeVito's departure from The Four Seasons. Additionally, Pesci had childhood ties to Robert Bisaccia, a prominent figure in the American Mafia.

During the 1960s, Pesci pursued multiple paths, working as a barber while also venturing into music. He honed his guitar skills with various bands, including Joey Dee and the Starliters, who gained fame with the hit "Peppermint Twist" and performed at the renowned Peppermint Lounge in New York City.
In 1968, Pesci launched his music career with the release of his debut album, titled Little Joe Sure Can Sing! under the stage name Joe Ritchie. The album featured covers of popular contemporary songs.
Transitioning to comedy, Pesci teamed up with Frank Vincent to form the comedy duo "Vincent and Pesci" from 1970 to 1976. Their performances blended the comedic dynamics of Abbott and Costello with the sharp wit of Don Rickles, earning them a devoted following. The partnership also fostered a deep bond between the two men, both professionally and personally. They showcased their talents in the Broadway production The New Vaudevillians in 1975, although the show had a brief run.
Pesci made his film debut in 1976 with the crime movie The Death Collector, in which he starred alongside Frank Vincent. Following the film's release, Pesci returned to his roots in The Bronx, residing above Amici's Restaurant, where he also worked.

In 1979, Pesci's career took a significant turn when Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro approached him for a role in Raging Bull, impressed by his performance in The Death Collector. Pesci portrayed Joey LaMotta in the film, although he suffered a broken rib during filming.
Following his BAFTA Film Award win for Newcomer to Leading Film Roles in 1981, Pesci continued to appear in various films, including Dear Mr. Wonderful (1982), Eureka (1983), and Easy Money (1983).
In 1984, he joined De Niro once more in Once Upon a Time in America. The following year, Pesci starred in the short-lived television comedy series Half Nelson as private detective Rocky Nelson.

Pesci's role as crime boss Frankie "Mr. Big" LiDeo in the Michael Jackson musical anthology film Moonwalker showcased his versatility. He later portrayed Leo Getz in the Lethal Weapon sequels alongside Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
The pinnacle of Pesci's career came in 1990 with his portrayal of mobster Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. This was followed by his comedic role in Home Alone, where he played one of the bumbling burglars, Harry Lyme.
Throughout the early 1990s, Pesci delivered memorable performances in films such as JFK (1991), My Cousin Vinny (1992), The Public Eye (1992), and A Bronx Tale (1993). He reunited with Scorsese and De Niro for Casino in 1995, where he portrayed Mob enforcer Nicky Santoro.
Pesci's versatility was evident in his dramatic role as a homeless man in With Honors (1994), showcasing his range as an actor.

In 1998, Pesci made a remarkable return to music with his second album, Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You, marking his first musical release in three decades. The album's title paid homage to his character from the beloved film My Cousin Vinny (1992). Offering a blend of humor and sincerity, the album delved into various musical genres, predominantly featuring big band jazz elements.
One of the standout tracks from the album was "Wise Guy," a rap song that cleverly played on the theme of Mafia gangsterism. Incorporating elements from Blondie's 1980 hit "Rapture," "Wise Guy" was co-written and produced by the renowned hip-hop production team, the Trackmasters.